Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League has been reduced to just two points following consecutive draws.
The Reds are facing a crucial pre-Christmas weekend, with Chelsea potentially overtaking them into first place on Sunday. Chelsea plays Everton before Liverpool’s away match against Tottenham. If Chelsea wins and Liverpool does not, Enzo Maresca’s team will be at the top of the table for Christmas.
Arsenal also have a significant few days ahead, as they face a tough away game against Crystal Palace, whom they defeated in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Despite their current position, with Arsenal sitting six points behind Liverpool and having played one more match, Gary Neville has discussed why he believes Mikel Arteta’s team still has a chance to catch up with Liverpool and Chelsea.
Gary Neville supports Arsenal for a potential title win
Liverpool desperately needs to return to winning form on Sunday.
Back-to-back draws against Newcastle and Fulham have diminished their lead, and with the postponed match against Everton, they’ve given their rivals a boost.
Chelsea have been the team to take advantage of this. However, speaking on The Overlap US, Neville shared that he believes Arsenal are in a good position heading into Christmas.
“I’m frustrated by them because I do believe that not playing well up to Christmas and January and you’re a few points off the top of the league is a great position to be in,” said the Manchester United legend.
“Because you do turn your form at some point when you’re a team like that, and Arsenal’s form will turn if they can get within a few points, and if they go on a run I think they’ll win it, that’s my honest view. But at the moment Chelsea and Liverpool are better, there’s no doubt.”
“I think they’ll hit their form, they’ve got a decent run of fixtures over Christmas,” Neville added.
“I think they’ll get within a few points and they’ll hit their form in the New Year. I do think they’ll win the league this season.”
Liverpool must keep Arsenal at bay
While Neville’s reasoning has some merit, it overlooks the fact that Liverpool could be nine points ahead of Arsenal if they win their game in hand.
It’s also important to note that Arsenal have only won half of their 16 league games this season and will need to significantly improve to catch up to Liverpool, let alone overtake them.
Liverpool have scored more and conceded fewer goals than Arsenal, and there’s no immediate reason to think that will change.
However, leads can vanish quickly with a few poor results.
Liverpool must avoid dropping any more points this weekend to prevent giving Arsenal, Chelsea, or any other team further encouragement.
